Rome Police Crack Down on Reckless ATV and Dirt-Bike Operators

On May 6th, 2024, the Rome Police Department’s C-line shift responded to a surge of complaints regarding reckless operation of ATVs and dirt-bikes in the South Rome area. Officers took decisive action to apprehend the operators of these off-road vehicles, resulting in several notable incidents:

1. Unregistered Moped Seizure:
   • At approximately 7:17 PM, officers apprehended a fourteen-year-old juvenile riding an unregistered moped throughout the city.
   • The juvenile was operating without a helmet, disregarding traffic control devices, and behaving recklessly.
   • The moped was impounded, and the juvenile was handed over to their parent.
2. Dirt-Bike Violation on Jasper Street:
   • Around 7:49 PM, another fourteen-year-old was caught operating a dirt-bike on Jasper Street.
   • Derrick A. Coleman, the parent of the juvenile, admitted to allowing the dirt-bike’s use on the roadway.
   • Coleman received a citation under Rome City Code 70-8a, which prohibits off-road vehicles on public roads or property.
   • The dirt-bike was subsequently impounded.
3. ATV and Dirt-Bike Incident at Canal Street:
   • At approximately 9:28 PM, officers observed an ATV and a dirt-bike operating near Canal Street at Harbor Way.
   • The two vehicles attempted to cross the walking bridge connecting Canal Street to Harbor Way.
   • Officers promptly apprehended both operators.
4. Assault and Charges:
   • Derrick A. Coleman, the same parent from the earlier complaint, was the operator of the dirt-bike.
   • During his apprehension, Coleman attempted to flee on the dirt-bike, striking an officer’s leg with the foot-peg.
   • The officer sustained a deep laceration and required medical attention and stitches.
   • Coleman now faces charges of Assault 2nd (a class D felony) and violating Rome City Code 70-8a.
   • Danylo Dunaf, the ATV operator from Utica, NY, was also cited for multiple violations.
5. Impoundment and Redemption:
   • Both the ATV and dirt-bike were impounded.
   • Owners of off-road vehicles operated in violation of Section 70-8 can redeem their vehicles by proving ownership and paying a $2,500.00 redemption fee, plus any applicable towing expenses.